Review
Release Date: 10.25.2000
Platform:
Nintendo 64Developer:
Nintendo EADPublisher:
Nintendo of America, Inc.Reviewed by
Brian J. Balsan on 4.27.2003
| Review Rating: 9/10 | User Rating: 8.69/10 |
There is one thing about Legend Of Zelda: Majora’s Mask runs against everything that made Zelda the classic series that it is. A time limit. In Majora’s Mask, you have three days to complete your quest. We know what you’re thinking, “It took me five weeks just to really explore Zelda: TOOT and you expect me to FINISH a Zelda in three “game” days!”
Well, don’t worry too much. While Majora’s Mask is set in the same three days, thanks to your handy dandy time altering Ocarina, it is three “Groundhog Days” that you can experience over and over. And, much like Bill Murray movie, you have certain things you have to do at certain times to get everything right. While this can get a little tiresome, it never truly detracts from the excellence of Majora’s Mask. I personally prefer to take my time when playing a RPG; especially an action RPG such as Zelda, and the rushed pace is somewhat of an annoyance and made it more difficult for me to get into.
Much of Majora’s Mask is identical to TOOT is execution. Z-targeting and auto jumping are still in place. However, as you can imagine from the title, Masks play a key role this time around. Each mask actually alters Link’s shape and his powers. So, each of Link’s different incarnations is like playing a completely new character.
Majora’s Mask, like many of the latter day N64 titles, requires the four Meg expansion pack. While this does allow more expansive areas without the trademark fog, do not expect a drastic visual improvement character wise, everyone still has the warm, fuzzy 64 look.
Majora’s Mask is another example of a “typical” high quality Nintendo first party release. I’ve come to expect excellence from Nintendo and they rarely disappoint.
Do I really need to say it? If you have a N64, get this game.
